As the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference came to an end, excitement built for an event that promised to be both dynamic and transformative. Set against the backdrop of the Pennsylvania Convention Center last June 26-30, this year’s conference served as a vital gathering for thousands of library professionals and advocates from around the globe.
The ALA dedicated to enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all, embodied this mission through thought-provoking sessions and meaningful community connections. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with forward-thinking librarians, explore innovative ideas, and collaborate on strategies that would shape the future of libraries.
In response to the growing challenges faced by libraries, including an unprecedented surge in book challenges, the ALA developed a comprehensive clearinghouse of resources to support library professionals and advocates. This initiative empowered attendees to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that the fundamental right to access diverse literature was upheld.
Citi of Books (COB) was thrilled to be part of this prestigious event representing 18 books from our remarkable authors! Among the standout selections that made a memorable impression with its insightful approach was “Consequences of Secrets!” by Jennifer Marie Kent.
Jennifer Marie Kent (born 1961) grew up in the small Southern town of Phenix City, Alabama, where she later raised her own daughter. During her childhood, Phenix City was in the midst of recovery from a tumultuous past, and Jennifer spent her early years in a modest home on the Northside, where life moved at a slower pace.
A passionate writer of realistic fiction, Jennifer embodies the adage that authors often write what they know. Her book, *The Decision of a Loving Son*, explores one of the most challenging and isolating periods of her life. At just 13, she was forbidden from seeing the one person she longed for more than words could express. Drawing on her experiences from ages 9 to 21, Jennifer hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others feel less alone in their struggles.
She wants readers to understand that they are not alone, and that these situations happen more often than many realize. Jennifer emphasizes that it is never the victim’s fault and that everyone has the right to love whom they choose.
“Consequences of Secrets!” follows Julia Temperance Brewer—known as Tempy—who grew up in a small Southern town and raised her daughter there. Now, as she enters a new chapter in her life, Tempy is searching for a connection she hasn’t felt in years. Feeling lost and isolated, she must forge her own path for the first time.
Uncertain of where her journey will lead or what awaits her, Tempy confronts her fears head-on. After her husband forced her to leave her childhood home, she believed he had stripped away all her hope. Yet, as her world seems to crumble around her, she discovers a possibility for the life she always dreamed of—one filled with more joy than she ever imagined.
Overall, through her experiences, Tempy learns that secrets can carry significant consequences: some can haunt you, while others can unveil the most beautiful moments of your life. This novel explores the transformative journey of an older woman navigating challenges that redefine her existence, ultimately leading to unexpected happiness and newfound strength.
“Consequences of Secrets!” was also featured during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. The event was set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond.
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As we looked back on this year’s event, we were eager to continue building connections and advocating for access to diverse narratives in every library across the nation, sparking conversations that inspired fresh insights and impactful action.
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